Strategic Management - Southwest Airlines

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ILP 305 Question 1: 1 a) Herb Kelleher, the president, co-founder and Chairman of Southwest Airlines is considered as one of the most charismatic and dynamic leader. His leadership and entrepreneurial behavior is considered to be one of the vital reasons for the upstart of the airlines and for the success of the Southwest Airlines. His self-confidence and visionary power shows in his ability and success story of his company. He is compassionate, fun-loving and knows how to enjoy his life along with his work. He “is a man who can in the same day chair a board meeting and do an Elvis Presley imitation at a company party.” (Case study, pg 711). His leadership style is different from many other leaders in the corporate world as he believes in ruling with his people rather than ruling on his people. He can be considered as an empathetic leader because he understands his employees and their work by putting himself in their shoes. For example: “ once a quarter he spends a day in the front line: serving drinks with the cabin crew, working with the baggage handlers, selling tickets, getting to know both passengers and staff.” (Case study, pg 713). Kelleher’s leadership style can be related to “Servant Leadership Theory” which suggests that “leaders must place the needs of subordinates, customers, and the community ahead of their own interests in order to be effective. Characteristics of servant leaders include empathy, stewardship, and commitment to the personal, professional, and spiritual growth of their subordinates” (Barnett, T., 2010). Thus, we can say that Kelleher follows servant leadership style as he is empathetic, and committed to his employees. He believes that the front-line employees are the real backbone of the company and they are the reasons behind a company’s success. The employees at Southwest Airlines are appreciated and valued for their hard work,
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